Column - 1912: Osakis gets ready to vote on $16,000 new school

Talk about it

The following is a collection of stories and other items that were included in Alexandria newspapers over the years.

100 YEARS AGO

FEBRUARY 1912

The postmaster general announced that second-class mail rates (newspapers, weeklies and periodicals) would increase to 2 cents a pound. The rate for second class materials mailed locally for local delivery and not exceeding 2 ounces will remain at 1 cent per ounce… Two eagles, the stars and stripes and a picture of George Washington adorn the window at Cowing-Robards in recognition of our first president’s birthday. The eagles had been raised by the firm several years ago… Comrades of Reynolds Post 51 of G.A.R. met in their new post home in the Courthouse. Members are anxious to reorganize the Order of the Sons of Veterans… The Osakis school district will vote in March on the issue of issuing bonds of $16,000 for building a new school.

50 YEARS AGO

FEBRUARY 1962

James Weaver, a 34-year old Alexandria man released from Stillwater Prison a month ago, was arrested and charged with second degree robbery in the hijacking of a Fargo taxi cab driver last week. Chief Les Loch also signed a complaint on a forged check allegedly passed by Weaver… Father Wrobel has been honored by Pope John XXIII to become the Right Reverend Monsignor in the St. Cloud Diocese… Stevie Engebretson, Bobby and Tommy Hedine were pictured all bundled up against the cold, trying in vain to catch a prize winner in the Winter Fishing Derby… Manager Al Justenson and Chef Orin Peterson are ready to greet clientele at the grand opening of the new 53-unit WM Viking Motel.

25 YEARS AGO

FEBRUARY 1987

Ann Zeithammer was the winner of the $1,000 dream wedding given away at the bridal show at Arrowwood… Dr. Tom Nyvold, DDS, has been named Outstanding Young Man of America in recognition of his “professional achievements, leadership qualities and exceptional service to the community.”… After nearly a year of doing business in the Farwell area, Bert and Sherilyn Englund have opened the Pork Pantry on Lincoln Avenue East… About 25 people showed up for the organization of the Central Lakes Bicycle Club with Terry Higgins as its first president… A group of second year AVTI students will cook and serve an Italian dinner for 700 guests at “Club Valentino – an Italian Speakeasy” during their hotel management program seminar.

10 YEARS AGO

FEBRUARY 2002

After weeks of no snow, big flakes accumulated in the county Saturday, bringing out the shovels, snow blowers and children looking for outdoor fun… Tasha Bruggeman and Andy Rishavy will represent the Cardinals at the upcoming state ski event at Biwabik… Extreme temperatures and lack of snow have caused the lake ice to move. Pictured was a 10-foot tall wall of ice that pushed onto the shoreline of the Harvey Tewes residence on Lake L’Homme Dieu… Brandon’s liquor vote ended in a 94-94 tie. City officials are wondering what to do next… Included in the Minnesota construction bill is a $9.1 million request from Alexandria Technical College for a new science wing and auditorium… Dr. Florian Ledermann was named Veterinarian of the Year. He was instrumental in taking a dream to reality in the Miracle of Birth Center at the 2001 Minnesota State Fair.

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Marge Van Gorp of Alexandria is a regular contributing columnist to the Echo Press Opinion page.

Tags: opinion, columns